UCI
The Union Cycliste International (UCI) is the world governing body of cycling as a sport encompassing road racing, track and mountain bike, cyclo-cross, BMX, trials, paracycling and indoor cycling. Founded in Paris in 1900 the organisation is now based in Aigle, Switzerland and is recognised by the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
The current President is Brian Cookson, former President of the British Cycling Federation, who took over from Pat McQuaid following a bitter election battle in 2013. At the time the UCI was still reeling from the aftershock of the Lance Armstrong confession and multiple allegations of corruption.
The UCI sets the regulations for the competitive aspects of the sport of cycling and oversees the enforcement of them from racing to anti-doping (the UCI is signed up the the WADA code) and equipment. All the rules can be downloaded from the UCI's website.
The Tour de France is the flagship event in the UCI's WorldTour calendar that includes all three Grand Tours as well as the one-day classics, Milan - San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Tour of Lombardy. The UCI's licence commission oversees the registration of professional cycling teams.
UCI world championships are held annually in each of the disciplines as well as World Cups (excluding men's road racing, but including women's). Road, track, mountain bike and BMX are the four cycling disciplines included in the Olympic programme.
External links: History of the UCI | UCI YouTube channel
Latest
-
How much are UCI points really worth in cycling, and why do they matter?
An equal amount of points per race will be up for grabs for both women and men in new UCI ruling for 2026
By Meg Elliot Published
-
‘This rule endangers cyclists’ - peloton hits out at UCI minimum handlebar width
Pro women's union The Cyclists Alliance joins chorus of disapproval of 40cm handlebar width rule unveiled earlier this month.
By Vern Pitt Published
-
'The majority of riders say that this is not the biggest issue' - UCI to test gear limits at races from August, effectively banning most SRAM chainsets
Change made after recommendation from SafeR commission, trials thought to take place at Tour of Guangxi
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Petition against UCI's new handlebar rules gathers thousands of signatures
New restrictions 'may increase the risk of discomfort, reduced control, and long-term injury'
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI rejects One Cycling project as 'incompatible' and 'lacking sporting coherence'
Governing body to remain in discussions with project representatives, as 2026 WorldTour calendars announced
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Extra wildcard team approved for Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España
Number of teams to increase from 22 to 23 at men's Grand Tours
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI president says there is 'no plan B' for Rwanda World Championships after European Parliament calls for cancellation over conflict
The Road World Championships are due to be held in Kigali this September, but Rwanda is involved in armed conflict in the neighbouring DRC
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
No change to Rwanda World Championships planned after violence breaks out on border with DR Congo, UCI says
World governing body 'closely monitoring' situation in east Africa with showpiece event set to visit Rwanda in September
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Rider airbags being considered as part of new safety measures from UCI
World governing body still undecided on radios, gear restrictions, regulations surrounding rim height and handlebar widths and wider rules in sprint finishes
By Tom Thewlis Published